The Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC25) has kicked off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and League of Legends fans are in for a treat as the world's elite teams clash in the second week of this global esports spectacle.
Now in its fourth season since its Gamers8 origins, EWC25 brings together 12 top-tier LoL teams to battle for a slice of the $2,000,000 prize pool.
With a new Fearless Draft system banning repeat champion picks in best-of series, expect innovative strategies and high-octane matches.
From Korean powerhouses to underdog surprises, here's everything you need to know about the LoL tournament at EWC25, including the schedule, ticket details, teams, and the star players poised to dominate.
Participating Teams
(Source: EWC)
EWC25 features a diverse lineup of 12 teams representing the best of League of Legends' major regions.
The team list reflects a balance of established giants and rising stars, with seeding based on MSI 2025 performances:
- China (LPL): All Gamers.Anyone's Legend (AG.AL), Bilibili Gaming (BLG)
- Americas (LCS): FlyQuest, FURIA, Cloud9
- EMEA (LEC): Movistar KOI, G2 Esports
- Asia-Pacific (PCS/VCS): CTBC Flying Oyster, GAM Esports
The top four teams—Gen.G, T1, AG.AL, and BLG—skip the Group Stage, entering directly into the Playoffs, while the other eight compete in a high-stakes double-elimination bracket to join them.
This format ensures intense competition from the outset, with regional pride and global dominance on the line.
Schedule & Format
(Source: EWC)
The League of Legends tournament at EWC25 runs from July 16 to July 20, 2025, at the state-of-the-art stc Esports Arena in Riyadh.
The event is structured in two phases: a double-elimination Group Stage for eight teams, followed by Playoffs for the top eight, culminating in the Grand Finals.
All matches are broadcast live on the Esports World Cup's official Twitch and YouTube channels, ensuring fans worldwide can catch every moment.
July 16, 2025 – Group Stage (Best-of-One, Bo1):
(Source: EWC)
| CTBC Flying Oyster vs. Hanwha Life Esports |
| Movistar KOI vs. GAM Esports |
| G2 Esports vs. FURIA |
| FlyQuest vs. Cloud9 |
Additional matches:
| FlyQuest vs. G2 |
| Hanwha Life vs. Movistar KOI |
| Cloud9 vs. FURIA |
| CTBC Flying Oyster vs. GAM Esports |
July 17, 2025 – Group Stage Lower Bracket and Playoffs (Bo1 and Bo3):
(Source: EWC)
Lower Bracket Finals:
| FlyQuest vs. FURIA |
| Movistar KOI vs. CTBC Flying Oyster |
| FURIA vs. FlyQuest |
Quarterfinals:
|
HLE vs. AG.AL
|
|
G2 Esports vs. Bilibili Gaming
|
July 18, 2025 – Playoffs (Bo3):
(Source: EWC)
| Movistar KOI vs. T1 |
| Gen.G vs. FlyQuest |
July 19, 2025 – Semi-Finals (Bo3):
(Source: EWC)
| T1 vs. AG.AL |
| Gen.G vs. G2 Esports |
July 20, 2025 – Third Place Match and Grand Finals:
(Source: EWC)
|
Third Place Match (Bo3): G2 Esports vs. T1
|
|
Grand Finals (Bo5): AG.AL vs. Gen.G
|
Ticket Information
For fans looking to experience the electric atmosphere in Riyadh, tickets are available through webook.com.
Options include single-day passes and weekly all-access passes, granting entry to the stc Esports Arena and other EWC25 events.
Prices vary, so check the website for the latest details and availability.
On-site attendees can also enjoy interactive fan zones, player meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise, making it a must-visit for esports enthusiasts.
Top Contenders & Star Players
(Source: EWC)
With roster changes common in the offseason, the spotlight falls on individual star players whose performances could define EWC25.
Below, we analyze three favorites—Gen.G, T1, and AG.AL —focusing on their key players, playstyles, and recent results in regional leagues and last year's EWC.
1. Gen.G – Chovy: The Mid-Lane Maestro
Star Player: Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon (Mid Laner)
Recent Performance:
- MSI 2025: Gen.G won, with Chovy’s finals performance against T1 cementing his elite status.
- EWC 2024: 3rd–4th, falling to T1 but dominating Bilibili Gaming.
Chovy anchors Gen.G's macro-heavy approach with unmatched laning prowess, excelling on champs like Sylas and LeBlanc.
His mechanical prowess and Gen.G's cohesive roster, bolstered by top laner Kiin's split-push threat, make them a formidable force.
Despite potential roster tweaks, Chovy's ability to carry from mid ensures Gen.G remains a top pick.
2. T1 – Faker: The Unkillable Demon King
Star Player: Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok (Mid Laner)
Recent Performance:
- LCK 2025 First Stand: 2nd place, with Faker leading comeback wins.
- MSI 2025: Runner-up, narrowly losing to Gen.G, with Faker's Azir nearly stealing the show.
- EWC 2024: Champions, with Faker's Syndra in the Grand Finals earning MVP honors.
Faker, the GOAT of League of Legends, blends aggressive playmaking with surgical precision, excelling on control mages like Orianna and assassins like Akali.
His experience in high-stakes tournaments and T1's synergy, particularly with jungler Oner, make them a perennial threat. The team's ability to adapt to the Fearless Draft could give them an edge.
3. Anyone's Legend (AG.AL) – Xiaohao: The Jungle Architect
Star Player: Liu "Xiaohao" Shi-Yu (Jungler)
Recent Performance:
- LPL Split 2 2025: 1st place, with Xiaohao's ganks powering AG.AL's dominance.
- MSI 2025: 3rd place, upsetting Bilibili Gaming with Xiaohao's Nidalee.
- Demacia Cup 2024: Champions, with Xiaohao and mid laner Hope shining.
Xiaohao sets the tempo with early-game champs like Lee Sin and Viego, enabling AG.AL's explosive, objective-focused style through smart pathing and vision control.
His ability to dictate early-game tempo complements AG.AL's aggressive bot lane, making them a dark horse with upset potential.
The team's hunger for their first international title, combined with Xiaohao's clutch playmaking, positions them as a serious threat.
Outlook
EWC25's League of Legends tournament promises a clash of titans, with Gen.G's Chovy, T1's Faker, and AG.AL's Xiaohao at the forefront.
Gen.G and T1, fresh off their MSI 2025 showdown, are the teams to beat, but AG.AL's meteoric rise could shake up the meta.
The Fearless Draft adds an extra layer of intrigue, forcing teams to dig deep into their champion pools.
Underdogs like CTBC Flying Oyster and FlyQuest, who impressed at MSI 2025, could also make waves, especially in the Group Stage.
For fans, this is a can't-miss event. Whether you're cheering from the stc Esports Arena or streaming online, expect jaw-dropping plays and unforgettable moments.
Keep an eye on our Esports section for more updates, and follow our official account @ASOGameNews on Twitter to stay informed!
FAQs
1. When and where is the League of Legends tournament at EWC25 taking place?
The League of Legends tournament at EWC25 runs from July 16 to July 20, 2025, at the stc Esports Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
2. Which teams are competing in EWC25's League of Legends tournament?
Twelve teams are participating: Gen.G, T1, Hanwha Life Esports (LCK); All Gamers.Anyone's Legend (AG.AL), Bilibili Gaming (LPL); FlyQuest, FURIA, Cloud9 (LCS); Movistar KOI, G2 Esports (LEC); and CTBC Flying Oyster, GAM Esports (PCS/VCS).
3. What is the format of the EWC25 LoL tournament?
The tournament features a double-elimination Group Stage (Bo1) for eight teams, followed by Playoffs (Bo3) for the top eight, and a Grand Finals (Bo5) on July 20, 2025. The top four teams from MSI 2025 (Gen.G, T1, AG.AL, Bilibili Gaming) start in the Playoffs.
4. What is the Fearless Draft, and how does it affect the tournament?
The Fearless Draft is a new rule banning teams from reusing champions in best-of series (Bo3 and Bo5), encouraging diverse strategies and deeper champion pools, adding excitement to EWC25 matches.
5. Who are the top players to watch at EWC25?
Key players include Gen.G's Chovy (mid laner), T1's Faker (mid laner), and AG.AL's Xiaohao (jungler). Their performances in LCK, LPL, and MSI 2025 make them standout stars.
6. How can I watch the EWC25 LoL tournament?
Matches are streamed live on the Esports World Cup's official Twitch and YouTube channels, and you can also get updates on our Esports section.
7. How can I buy tickets to attend EWC25 in person?
Tickets are available at webook.com, offering single-day or weekly all-access passes to the stc Esports Arena. Prices and availability vary, so check the site for details.
8. Who are the favorites to win the EWC25 LoL tournament?
Gen.G (MSI 2025 champions), T1 (EWC 2024 champions), and Anyone's Legend (MSI 2025 third place) are top contenders, driven by stars like Chovy, Faker, and Xiaohao.
9. What is the prize pool for the EWC25 LoL tournament?
The League of Legends tournament at EWC25 features a $2,000,000 prize pool, distributed among the top-performing teams.
10. Are there any special features or events for fans at EWC25?
Yes, on-site attendees can enjoy fan zones, player meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise at the stc Esports Arena. Follow EWC's official channels and webook.com for updates on fan experiences.
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